FINAL BILL REPORT

ESJM 8016

As Passed Legislature

Brief Description:  Emphasizing free and fair trade of nonanadromous aquaculture products between the United States and Canada.

Sponsors:  Senators Shin, Rasmussen, and Sheahan.

Senate Committee on Agriculture & International Trade

House Committee on Trade & Economic Development

Background:  Washington's aquaculture industry exports salmon and trout eggs and smolts throughout the world.  However, it has experienced difficulty exporting to Canada.  For example, Canada requires that Atlantic salmon eggs being imported to British Columbia undergo a quarantine.  It does not allow the importation of Atlantic salmon smolts.  Aquaculturists in both the United States and Canada, as well as some U.S. government officials, have questioned the need for Canada's import restrictions.

Summary:  The federal government is asked to emphasize the importance of the free and fair trade of upland aquacultural products between the United State and Canada in its dealings with Canada.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate460

House     95 0 (House amended)

Senate    47 0 (Senate concurred)